SUMMARY
The person who fills this position will work with Rajan Kulkarni, MD, PhD and his group, to investigate methods for early detection of melanoma and other cancers and their recurrence with the goal of enabling translational studies. Research projects include studies of methods for identifying melanoma signatures in the blood and collaboration with other groups performing similar projects. The research assistant will carry out advanced protocols including cell culture, basic molecular biology (DNA, RNA and protein extraction from blood, tissue and saliva, sequencing, design and validation of sequencing and qPCR primers, simple cloning), protein analysis by Western blot, and flow cytometry. The research assistant will also help with analysis of sequencing data. There may be opportunity for mouse experiments. Experience with mouse handling is a plus, and interest in and willingness to learn mouse techniques will be appreciated.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES other duties as assigned...
1. Supports basic day-to-day functions of the lab, including assisting with ordering supplies.
2. Carries out cell culture experiments with cell lines and primary human skin cells. Analyzes results using techniques listed in position summary.
3. Helps to isolate DNA, RNA and cells from blood and biological fluid samples.
4. Performs sequence analysis on blood and tissue-derived DNA from clinical study participants
5. Assists with other data analysis.
6. Attends all laboratory research and division/department meetings.
JOB DUTIES
As listed above and including data entry, processing clinical specimens.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Required: Bachelor's degree with major courses in biology and chemistry
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English language proficiency is required.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Statistical knowledge
COMPUTER SKILLS
Experience with database software such as Access or Excel
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Strong electronic communication skills email and chat.
Experience with programming languages is preferred but not required
REASONING ABILITY
Strong organizational skills
Ability tocommunicate effectively and clearly (both orally and written)
attend to details,
multitask,
organize and maintain accurate and up-to-date project records,
work independently
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and frequently talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and is regularly required to stand and occasionally walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Portland VA Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or age.
Apply online at http://www.pvarf.org and include a CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the position
